Women and girls are speaking up about how they often feel scared as they go about their daily business
The Victims Leads for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, Julia Mulligan and Sophie Linden, have sought to reassure women and girls that they should in no way feel responsible for sexual or violent abuse perpetrated by men.
In a joint statement they said: “Many women and girls are speaking up about how they often feel scared as they go about their daily business. They shouldn’t have to feel scared, but they do.
“And in the rare instances that someone is attacked, the victim should certainly not be made to feel ashamed or in any way responsible. It is the offender, and no-one else, who is 100% responsible for the crime.
“Police and Crime Commissioners are funding projects right across England and Wales which work with perpetrators of abuse to prevent further offending. We also commission services which offer support and counselling to vulnerable victims whenever and however they need to access it. Wider society also has a part to play in making our communities safer. That includes working with young people and teaching them about safe, respectful relationships.
“We also need to look at the issues within the criminal justice system which can dissuade victims from wanting to seek help. Women need to know that they will receive justice, not be judged.”